Buy it when you see it. If you see something you like, or might need in the future, buy it now. The supply of many products is variable and you may not be able to find it when you want it.

Small bills and coins. Have small bills and coins with you otherwise you may find yourself running around newspaper stands trying to get small change.

Check in -Check out. Most newer self service stores have a "check-out line" to pay for all your purchases at one time. Be prepared to leave any shopping bags and large purses at the lockers or the way in, under the watchful eye of security (okhrana).

Prices for food are given in cost per 100 grams (about a quarter pound) or kilograms (2.2 pounds). A half kilogram is called a polkilo. See WEIGHTS & MEASURES.

Prices in dollars, payable in rubles. Dollars once circulated as a second currency, but now only a few establishments still have the legal right to sell (imported) goods for non-cash dollars (mainly credit cards). On the street, vendors often ask foreigners for outrageous sums in dollars compared to what they are willing to sell to Russians in rubles. Haggle!
Recently, a new pricing practice has emerged. Because of inflation (and, until recently, the continual decline in the ruble) some prices may be stated in dollars, but payable only in rubles at the current rate of exchange. This is especially true in shops selling imported goods.

Plastic bags. Always take plastic bags with you which the Russians call a "paket". Most products are sold without packaging (especially on the street and in the markets). Some stores still don't have plastic bags, so always take along a good supply of plastic bags, an egg container, and jars for honey, cream, etc. Most Russians keep a couple of bags in their handbag or briefcase.

When to shop. State stores are most crowded in early mornings, lunch hour and late evenings when people are shopping before or after work. Many older establishments close for a one hour lunch break (pereryv na obed): stores from 1-2 or 2-3, restaurants in late afternoon. One day per month, food shops close for a "sanitary day". Many modern shops and large department stores work without a break. See HOURS FOR SHOPPING AND BUSINESS.

How to find the shops. Many nice small shops, cafes, and restaurants are located in strange places, in courtyards of apartment buildings, behind plain strong wooden doors, or up or down a flight of dark stairs and with minimal advertising. If you are given directions to a shop or restaurant on the second floor of a factory and it seems to be in an unlikely place, you are probably at the right place. Hotel restaurants and bars are often on the upper floors.

Store:
Department Store - Univermag
Supermarket - Universam
Market - Rynok
Shop - Magazin
Salon - Magazin-Salon
Trade House - Torgovyy Dom

Department stores (Univermag) have a number of departments which sell a variety of manufactured goods such as clothing, linens, toys, housewares, shoes. Often they have separate "boutique shops" selling imported goods.

Supermarkets (Universam) sell food and some housewares. They are Western-style, self-service (samoobsluzhivanie) and use the regular Western check-out system. See FOOD STORES.

Markets (Rynok) are true "farmers' markets" with fresh meats, vegetables, etc. from all over Russia, Central Asia and the world. See MARKETS (Farmer's Markets, Kolkhoz Markets).

Shops (Magazin) come in many different varieties. In the past they were simply given the name of the product sold and a number, like "Meat No. 28" or "Fabrics No. 12". These Russian names are usually given in the essay or heading. Shops are now adopting more sophisticated names.

Salons (Magazin-Salon) were at one time supposed to have higher quality, more fashionable goods, especially clothing and furs. The term is now overused. A store of any type called a"DOM."" (which means ."House") tends to be one of the best with a wider selection and better quality, such as the Dom Mod, the House of Fashion.

Trade House (Torgovyy Dom) can mean anything from a large department store with many well stocked departments to small commercial shops selling spirits and jeans. In this book it usually signifies a substantial store with a few well-stocked departments such as audio-video equipment & clothing.